MY FATHER'S WIFE

CHAPTER THREE CLARISSA

I had wanted to refuse Chris's invitation, but I was unable to do so. The emotions and feelings looming within me wouldn't allow me. Ever since the first time we had met in the dining hall, I had been dazzled by Chris’s looks.

Despite my initial reservations, I had given Chris my contact information, hoping he would call. And now that he had finally reached out, the joy I felt was indescribable. I had long desired to see him again, and now, his invitation seemed like the perfect opportunity. This time, however, I decided to go alone. I didn't want Victoria to accompany me, just in case there was a change in dynamism. I wanted Chris to concentrate on me and me alone, to spend his evening with me, admiring me without any distractions. I confirmed my acceptance of his invitation. And as I thought about our upcoming meet-up, a smile ignited my face, hopeful that he would be as excited to see me as I was to see him. Just then, my phone rang. I answered the call and Chris’s voice came through the phone.

“Hello Clarissa. I’m so sorry to bother you again. He said very apologetically.

“Sure, not a problem” I responded assuringly.

“Let’s meet up at Grafton Street by Harvard Square. I have sent you the directions via a text”, he replied.

“Alright then, see you at seven” I replied just before he ended the call.

As I prepared myself for our meet-up, hoping it would be a delightful outing, I carefully selected my outfits, intending on making a statement. I wanted to dazzle Chris's mind, drawing him closer to me. "I don't want to rush things," I whispered, "but I do want to make my intentions known." I decided to downplay my efforts, pretending indifference, but secretly wishing for his admiration. Above all, I wanted him to see me as an expensive and sophisticated woman.

But on a second thought, I felt a pan of fear within me. “This is contrary to my deal with my father”, I thought. The deal was binding for the duration of my studies at Harvard. Now, there is a romantic feeling brewing within me. “Can I really resist it”? I wasn’t sure. But only one thing was sure. I risked losing the attractive part of the deal. But just what if? What if Chris and I agree to keep things in a wrap? My father may never find out, and I will still be able to seal the deal, I thought. But how about that text message? The one I had received on that very day that I had met Chris. I still had no clue about the sender. Perhaps it was mistakenly sent to my number, I thought.

Lost in my thoughts, I was shocked by a knock on my door. "Just a moment," I exclaimed, wondering who could be interrupting me as I prepared for my evening appointment with Chris. Surprisingly, it was my best friend, Victoria Davis.

"Hey, Vicky," I greeted her, puzzled by her unexpected visit. I had hoped for a lonely evening with Chris. "Why is she here now? What should I do?" I wondered, feeling a mix of confusion and frustration.

"What's going on girl?" Victoria inquired. "Where are you off to looking so sweet and sexy?"

Quickly gathering my thoughts, I replied, "I'm about to leave for Grafton Street at Harvard Square. I have a meet-up there at seven." I quietly prayed and hoped that she wouldn't ask to come with me.

"Oh nice! Sounds great! I'll catch up with you later then. Have a wonderful time," Victoria said, dashing a quick lovely smile before leaving my room.

I was relieved and regained my composure, grateful that my plans remained unchanged. Finally, the evening would be just mine, in the company of Christopher Walton, of course. I would be free from any unwanted company.

As I wandered through Harvard Square, my focus was on Grafton Street, a place I had never been before. Stepping onto its cobblestone paths, I was immediately wrapped in a vibrant atmosphere with a blend of old-world glamor and present-day enchantment.

The street was filled with activities, and historic brick buildings housing a group of inviting shops, cafés, and restaurants. I saw beautiful and colorful flower boxes that beautified the sidewalks with flowers that added a natural beauty to the modern setting. I heard street performers and musicians all around, creating a lively scene as I strolled by.

I felt the atmosphere filled with enticing aromas of freshly brewed coffee and mouth-watering food that emerged from the many cafés and eateries that occupied the street. There were lots of tables and chairs, arranged all around the sidewalks, inviting me to relax and savor a meal or a drink in the open air.

Lost in the sights and sounds of this new and unfamiliar environment, I began to look everywhere. I was gazing around, surveying the faces of those around me, searching for someone familiar. Just then, a good-looking man approached me with a warm smile.

"Hi Clarissa, I'm Chris Walton," he said. I was taken aback, surprised that Chris could recognize me amidst the crowd. His ability to find me outgave me a smart impression. “No wonder he is studying business administration at Harvard. He must be a really smart and intelligent gentleman”, I thought to myself. The prospect of being connected to such a bright and intelligent young man fascinated me as he gestured for me to join him at a nearby table.

We stirred at each other in silence, the unspoken chemistry between us gave a quiet moment to unfold. But then, I noticed there were some shades of worry on his face. What the matter was, I couldn’t tell. I wanted to ask but then, Chris broke the silence.

“How have you been these past few weeks, Clarissa,” he inquired.

“Not bad at all. I have been fine, coping very well with the demands of Harvard medical school”, I replied feeling relieved. “But Chris, you look somewhat worried, is anything the matter?” I asked.

“Nothing really. I think someone is playing pranks on me” he said. As I was preparing to leave my room, my building alarm went off, but I never found the reason. I searched everywhere,” he added.

We took turns admiring the surroundings; Chris had chosen Grafton Street for our meet-up, hoping I would cherish it just as he did.

“You know Clarissa. This is a very lovely place to be”, he continued. “I was here for the first time with my friend some days back, and I loved the atmosphere. I hope you are really comfortable here” he inquired.

"I could see myself coming back here again and again," I admitted. "It's truly a pleasant place to be."

Just then, I caught Chris's blue eyes roaming over my body seductively. I lowered my gaze, pretending not to notice his eyes at all. Why was he looking at me in that way? Was he experiencing the same emotions I was feeling? I wondered quietly, just as Chris signaled to the bartender to come over.

“What would you rather have”, he asked me with a smile.

“I would rather you suggested it to us. I said.”

We ordered the bar steak, and Chris suggested his favorite cocktail, the Giant Killer, made with Four Roses Bourbon, lavender rose honey syrup, lemon, and limoncello. I had never had this cocktail before. So, I couldn’t wait to confirm its taste. Chris had assured me that I would like it.

As our conversation unraveled over food and drink, a mutual desire seemed to emerge. There came the desire to truly know each other.

“Can you tell me more about yourself? I inquired.

“Yes I can, but ladies first this time. Why don’t you go first, and I will just after you? He said, flashing a smile.

Without hesitating, I calmly spoke freely to Chris, giving details about my family background and upbringing.

“I have lived all my life in California, and it’s the first time I am venturing out on my own. I began. I love taking care of people, which is the reason I’m so passionate about medicine, I added.” In-between, I summoned the courage to ask if he had a romantic relationship.

“Are you engaged? I asked him.

“No, I’m single and ready to mingle” he said jokingly, and we both chuckled.

I was so excited.

“I am not engaged either” I said when he asked me.

Immediately, I imagined being his girl. He was a free man, just like I was. I pretended like my question didn’t matter, and we continued with our conversation. As I spoke, I couldn’t stop stealing glances at his attractively soft lips, secretly desiring a quick kiss. In turn, Chris shared his own story, painting a clear picture of his Nigerian-born mother, Bella, who had been relocated to Texas by her caring uncle after her high school graduation. Even though she was a disciplinarian, Bella nursed a deep affection for her son. With a teasing smile, I dubbed him a "Mama's boy," to which he responded with a gentle smile.

“My father is a very stern person”, he continued.

“I must excel with first-class honors to earn a business for myself that will be set up by my father. I am very passionate about the tech industry. I’m here focusing on the bigger picture”, he added.

“Looks like everyone’s got a challenge” I said with a smile.

As we enjoyed the sweet sound of music, we continued our conversation, stealing periodic glances at each other.

Yet, I felt a flush of disappointment within me.

I had hoped for a romantic declaration from Chris, something to occupy my mind. Something that would keep me awake all night. But here we are, my wish remained unfulfilled, though I couldn't help but admire his presence. Perhaps, Chris was simply very mindful of upsetting me with his revelation. I might have to be very patient to figure out this unspoken chemistry. But for how long? I wondered quietly.

Just then, a call came through on my phone, it was my mother calling.

“Hello mum” I said right after picking up my phone.

“Hi Clarissa” she responded in a shaky voice.

“Anything the matter with you” I asked, looking confused.

“MY dear, it’s your father” she said. Before she could say anything else, I asked what had happened to him. I was really afraid and couldn’t contain the fear that had just taken over me.

“Nothing bad has happened to him” she said, and I could feel that she was sobbing over the phone.

“Then, what’s going on, mum? You said nothing bad has happened, yet you are crying. Please tell me what’s going on”, I shouted back.

“Your father has become violent. He returned only yesterday after so many weeks and I expressed my dissatisfaction. He got angry at my expression and beat Clarissa very hard. So hard that I landed at the hospital” she said, crying louder this time.

“What! I exclaimed. You mean my own father did that to you mum” I asked again, like I hadn’t heard correctly.

“Yes Clarissa, it’s very disappointing” she responded.

The anger that I immediately felt within me was inexplainable. How on earth could my father have done such a terrible thing to my mother? They were sweet lovers. What then has come over him? I wondered. Not wanting to give Chris a hint of my conversation with my mother, I immediately dismissed her with the promise to return her call when it was convenient.

Chris was already anxiously waiting for me to end the call. He had a questioning look written all over his face. I immediately flashed him a smile, assuring him that everything was alright.

After two hours spent in the cool arena of Grafton Street, it was time to go.

“I better get going” I said to Chris. But within me, I did not want to leave him. At least not yet. I wished I could force the magic words out of his mouth. However, I needed to act like a good person. I must wait and keep hoping that the feeling is real. I had the word “disappointment” all over me. I was disappointed that I wasn’t getting the perfect response that I so desired from Chris. On the other hand, my father had just dealt me a blow. These were two important people in my life at the time. It’s a night filled with disappointment, I thought to myself.

“I love this environment and I hope to come here another time” I said to Chris, pretending to be happy.

Chris and I promised to hang out again very soon. As I turned to depart, surprisingly, I felt a sudden but gentle kiss on my right cheek.